Sierra de Maria with the Arboleas Birding Group

Wednesday 18 June

My word, it may have been the penultimate meet before the summer break but what some birds seen by the Arboleas Birding Group in their visit to the Sierra de Maria.  Had to smile though as Dave was discussing the wet weather whilst back in the UK it continues to be warm and sunny, no rail expected for a least another week and temperatures due to rise above 30C this week-end for the first official heat wave of the year!  But back to the bird like.  Difficult not to be envious when one reads about all the birds I am not going to see back here; Short-toed and Booted eagles, lesser Kestrel, Bee-eater, Roller and Griffon Vulture.  But at least I have seen a Turtle Dove and I can count Carrion Crows by the many score!  No real consolation though,.

Sierra de Maria  -  Wednesday 18th June

For our penultimate birding trip before our summer recess we have returned to my favourite local patch, the Sierra de Maria.  I picked up Nigel and we headed north into some heavy showers.  By the time we'd got past Velez Blanco the rains had stopped.  En route to the town we saw Woodpigeon, House Sparrow, Jay and Spotless Starling.  In town we added House Martin, Collared Dove and Common Swift.

We were the first to arrive at the La Piza forest cafe seeing Mistle Thrushes on the approach.   The feeders were empty but there was water and pieces of rolls available to the birds.  Numerous House Sparrows were taking advantage.  At least 3 Jays were taking large pieces away.  We were joined by Alan, Trevor, (Honest) Peter and Richard.  As we enjoyed a coffee we saw Crested and Great Tits, Serin, Blackbird and Chaffinch.  A Crossbill was heard.  As we walked back to the vehicles I recognised the call of a Great Spotted Woodpecker.  After a brief search it was seen.

Jay  (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We commenced the loop. I only saw a Chaffinch in the wooded area and a Magpie and Crested Lark in the fields.  Alan and Trevor added a Carrion Crow and Richard was lucky enough to see a male Hen Harrier!  At the village stop we found a few Barn Swallows.  The star was a Short-toed Eagle. 

Short-toed Eagle (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

We travelled along the track.  Had hoped for a Roller at their nest box site, but did see one a few hundred metres later.  We saw Goldfinches and small flocks of Corn Buntings.  I spotted a distant Black-eared Wheatear on a fence.  As we arrived at the cliff face another Roller flew off as did a Rock/Stock Dove.  We heard Turtle Dove, Nightingale and Rock Sparrow, the latter being seen on the cliff face.  We walked to the "far side".  Alan found a silhouette view of a presumed Black Wheatear which Trevor confirmed with a white rump view!   As we moved off a huge shadow appeared across the road.  I stopped and looked up.  A plume of 19 Griffon Vultures was above us.  In the first village a pair of Bee-eaters showed well on the power line.  Trevor and Alan also saw a Hoopoe.  At the hamlet it took some time to spot two Lesser Kestrels.  I had one one a building down the slope and Alan found one on the door rail of one of the modern warehouses.

We moved on to the water trough, only seeing Crested Larks on the plain.  I spotted a Little Owl.  Out of the same tree flew a pair of Turtle Doves.  Alan added a Linnet and another Roller was seen.  Being hungry I was first to leave for the cafe.  Nigel and I missed the Booted Eagle!

We had to eat inside the bar as there were a huge number of flies round the picnic tables.  We did manage to add Blue and Coal Tits to the list.

Blue Tit (PHOTO: David Elliott-Binns)

A great days birding in good company.  39 species seen.  Sending our best wishes to Juda.

Dave

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